What material is the Evans 56 Calftone made from?

It is made from a 12mm Mylar base blended with unique artificial materials designed to replicate the properties of natural calfskin.

What is the primary benefit of the EQ4 version?

The EQ4 version includes an internal overtone control ring that helps focus the drum's tonal response and reduce unwanted high frequencies.

Can this head be used on the front of the bass drum?

Yes, its design allows it to be used as both a batter head and a resonant head depending on the drummer's preference.

How does Level 360 Technology affect the drum head?

Level 360 Technology ensures the head sits flat and evenly on the bearing edge, providing a better fit, easier tuning, and a wider tuning range.

What size is this specific drum head?

This specific model is designed for bass drums with an 18-inch diameter.

Does it sound different from real calfskin?

While it is made of artificial materials, the manufacturer claims the sound remains the same as traditional calfskin while offering modern reliability.

What kind of tone can I expect from the '56 Calftone?

The head produces a warm, full, and rich tone that is typically associated with vintage drum recordings and jazz music.

Is this head suitable for loud rock music?

While versatile, it is primarily voiced for warmth and vintage character. Drummers seeking a bright, aggressive attack might prefer a standard clear ply head.

How thick is the base of the head?

The base material is a 12mm Mylar film, which provides a balance of durability and sensitive response.

Does the head require special maintenance like real calfskin?

No, because it is synthetic, it is not affected by humidity or temperature changes in the way natural hide is, requiring no special treatment.

What is the typical price range for this 18-inch head?

In the UK market, this head typically retails for approximately GBP 51.

How does it compare to the Evans EQ3 series?

The Calftone EQ4 is much warmer and more 'vintage' in character than the EQ3, which is a more modern-sounding, punchy resonant head.

Gear article

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

The Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 is a synthetic bass drum head designed to replicate the warm, rich tonal characteristics of traditional calfskin. Built on a 12mm Mylar base, it incorporates an internal overtone control ring and Level 360 Technology to ensure consistent tuning and a focused sonic response.

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Background and Design

The '56 Calftone series was developed by Evans to provide drummers with the aesthetic and sonic qualities of natural hide without the environmental sensitivity and inconsistency associated with organic calfskin. The name '56 refers to the year Evans was founded, celebrating the heritage of drum head manufacturing. This 18-inch model is specifically tailored for smaller bass drums, often found in jazz or bop configurations, where a vintage warmth is highly desirable.

Technical Specifications

The head is constructed using a 12mm Mylar base that has been blended with unique artificial materials to simulate the texture and response of animal skin. A key functional component of the EQ4 variant is the internal overtone control ring. This ring is fitted to the underside of the head to dampen high-frequency overtones, resulting in a more focused and controlled fundamental pitch. Additionally, the head features Evans' proprietary Level 360 Technology, which ensures a level seating against the bearing edge for an extended tuning range and better stability.

Sonic Character

The '56 Calftone 18" EQ4 is characterised by its warm, full, and rich frequency response. Despite its synthetic construction, it maintains the dark, traditional sound of calfskin while offering the projection and durability of modern plastics. The inclusion of the EQ4 damping ring ensures that the sustain is curtailed enough to provide a clear 'thump', making it suitable for genres where a controlled vintage tone is required.

Versatility and Use

One of the primary advantages of this specific head is its versatility. It is designed to function effectively as either a batter (striking) head or a resonant head. When used as a batter, it provides a soft feel and deep tone; as a resonant head, it contributes to a vintage look and a controlled decay. Its 18-inch diameter makes it a standard choice for compact kits and traditional jazz setups.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard clear or coated heads, such as the DW AA Coated or the Evans EQ3 Resonant, the Calftone offers a significantly warmer and darker profile. Unlike mesh heads like the Roland MH2 or Remo Silentstroke, which are designed for volume reduction, the Calftone is a full-volume performance head. It offers more focus than the standard Calftone series (like the 26" version) due to the EQ4's integrated damping ring.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Evans 56 Calftone made from?: It is made from a 12mm Mylar base blended with unique artificial materials designed to replicate the properties of natural calfskin.
What is the primary benefit of the EQ4 version?: The EQ4 version includes an internal overtone control ring that helps focus the drum's tonal response and reduce unwanted high frequencies.
Can this head be used on the front of the bass drum?: Yes, its design allows it to be used as both a batter head and a resonant head depending on the drummer's preference.
How does Level 360 Technology affect the drum head?: Level 360 Technology ensures the head sits flat and evenly on the bearing edge, providing a better fit, easier tuning, and a wider tuning range.
What size is this specific drum head?: This specific model is designed for bass drums with an 18-inch diameter.
Does it sound different from real calfskin?: While it is made of artificial materials, the manufacturer claims the sound remains the same as traditional calfskin while offering modern reliability.
What kind of tone can I expect from the '56 Calftone?: The head produces a warm, full, and rich tone that is typically associated with vintage drum recordings and jazz music.
Is this head suitable for loud rock music?: While versatile, it is primarily voiced for warmth and vintage character. Drummers seeking a bright, aggressive attack might prefer a standard clear ply head.
How thick is the base of the head?: The base material is a 12mm Mylar film, which provides a balance of durability and sensitive response.
Does the head require special maintenance like real calfskin?: No, because it is synthetic, it is not affected by humidity or temperature changes in the way natural hide is, requiring no special treatment.
What is the typical price range for this 18-inch head?: In the UK market, this head typically retails for approximately GBP 51.
How does it compare to the Evans EQ3 series?: The Calftone EQ4 is much warmer and more 'vintage' in character than the EQ3, which is a more modern-sounding, punchy resonant head.